A total of 605 students graduated this year across full-time and executive programs including PGPM, PGDM, PGXPM and PGPM (Flex). 6 best outgoing students and 4 academic toppers received gold medals during the graduation ceremony.

Welcoming the gathering and congratulating the graduands, Dr. Bala V Balachandran, Founder, Dean & Chairman, Great Lakes Institute of Management, said, “As you are receiving your degrees today and stepping out into the corporate world, as a graduate and ambassador for this great institution, I and the GL community wish you all the very best for your future. You all have got a chance to obtain a degree of excellence. Education is the only solution to economic prosperity and tranquility in the world. So, whatever you earn, make sure to give it back to society and leave behind a legacy. We only hope that in years to come, everyone will be talking about all of your achievements, and you will forever remember the time spent here, and make your alma mater proud.”

Further, encouraging the graduands, DrBala added, “Given that ongoing technology and industrial revolution occurring at ridiculously higher rates, I urge all of you to take up more challenging tasks that will empower you with skills. Make use of every opportunity, even if there exists a small window, seize it. If not someone else will run with it.”

Delivering the Presidential address, Mr. Robert G Burgess, US Consul General, Chennai, advised the students and said, “The gift of Education brings responsibility. As you are graduating from this great institution, always remember three things in life – Give back to the society, remember the importance of ethics. Education is a life long pursuit, so keep expanding your horizon and keep learning.” Mr Robert also expressed how India and US have strengthened their relationship in all these years and applauded India’s spirit of Entrepreneurship. “Being an entrepreneur means taking risks, applying practical ideas and accepting risk of failures” he added.

Mr Mohan Lakhamraju, Vice Chairman and CEO, Great Lakes Institute of Management, delivered the graduation address and shared learning from his professional and educational experience. He said, “Find your passion, be persistent and adapt to changes. You have been lucky to have experienced quality education. This will definitely change and impact you well in your career ahead. Be ready to take up challenges. The pace at which technology change is happening today, make most use of it and skill yourself with new techniques. ”

One of the highlights of this year was, 25 graduands from PGPM and PGDM also received an additional Advanced Management Program (AMP) from University of Bordeaux. The AMP is a part of Great Lakes MOU with IAE Bordeaux University School of Management. In addition to PGPM or PGDM degree from Great Lakes, these students received an MBA (Level- M2) degree in European Business Administration and International Business from University of Bordeaux during Bordeaux University’s graduation ceremony earlier in May this year. Great Lakes is one of the few top B-Schools in the country that offers a dual MBA option from an international University.